augustar14's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
If you like sci-fi stories where something's not quite right, but you're not sure exactly what...
If you like gay romance combined with mindfucks, the most irritating AI you'll ever meet, and figuring out how to send a big 'ol middle finger to The System...
You'll enjoy A Complicated Love Story Set in Space.
Graphic: Confinement, Violence, Child abuse, Vomit, Panic attacks/disorders, Cursing, Sexual assault, Grief, Adult/minor relationship, Death, Rape, and Pedophilia
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Violence, Injury/injury detail, Blood, Abandonment, Gun violence, and Mental illness
Minor: Murder, Suicide, and Medical content
About the death CWSpoiler
as you learn relatively early on, death is frequently impermenant in the world of this bookklara42's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Confinement, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Gaslighting and Blood
Minor: Medical content, Vomit, and Suicidal thoughts
kaitielou's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Spoiler
The ending is a bit ambiguous which is ok since it allows you to form your own ideas about what will happen nextGraphic: Death, Body horror, Blood, Gun violence, Medical content, Medical trauma, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Torture, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Confinement, Sexual content, and Sexual assault
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
girlonbooks's review
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I know we've never properly met, so you've got no reason to believe me, but I think you're wrong about love. Love isn't war. Life is the war; love is a truce you find in the middle of all that violence. And I bet there's someone out there who loves you, even if you don't know them yet."
Graphic: Blood, Bullying, Death, Kidnapping, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, and Vomit
Moderate: Rape and Sexual violence
rachelditty's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Spoiler
There is so much I could say about this book. I loved Noa, the pessimistic jerk of a narrator. He was a great perspective to read from - a selfish main character was a breath of fresh air. I fell in love with DJ's character with every page; his kindness, his wit, and how thoughtful he was toward both his friends and shipmates. Their dynamic was the classic trope of angry, mean character falls for the blushy, kind character, and I was here for it. Jenny was kick-ass, and I loved her more and more as the story went on. The plot was a bit predictable - I figured out where it was (relatively) going during the time-loop section, but it was still pure fun to read. Hutchinson always reminds me how FUN it is to get into a book, and with how full of tropes and clichés this one was, it was impossible not to enjoy it. I don't know how I'm going to fit all the quotes I marked down into my reading journal. And looking back on what I've marked, I already know I'm going to love re-reading this piece and seeing all the foreshadowing and double-meanings to what DJ says to Noa and Jenny. I know Hutchinson isn't one for sequels, mostly writing stand-alone novels, but I really, really hope we get to see Noa, DJ, Jenny, and Ty again in a future story, kicking ass and taking names blowing up the high schools around the galaxy, learning to accept themselves and their pasts while loving their present and looking toward a bright future, and falling even more in love. I always deeply enjoy Hutchinson's works, but this has jumped to my top three by him. It makes me want to re-read all his works again. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Blood, Death, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Minor: Grief and Toxic relationship
There is a trigger warning at the beginning of the novel, but just to reiterate - there is a depiction/character description of sexual assault in the fifth section of the book in the chapter titled "Fifty-Four." The main character also references this assault multiple times in the story, as well as the relationship he was in when the assault occurred.hungryandhappy's review
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Noa wakes up in space with absolutely no recollection of how he got there and he's already in danger and being helped via radio by DJ, a cute guy in his same position. Together with Jenny, who they find stuck in a toilet, they must understand what the hell is going on and get back home before it's too late.
There are many mysteries, many things we don't know as readers that the characters also don't know. We are almost in the same boat (in this case spaceship) as them and we have to have a bit of fun trying to solve the mystery. I loved all the elements that made this story, and I loved the growing romance between Noa and DJ, how it wasn't rushed but neither too slow burn.
I had many theories and one came really close. I was surprised by every twist and turn this story took. I was really invested in what was happening! I needed to know! I really liked how the book ended! Very entertaining even with its flaws and heavier content of certain parts. (the CW/TW are listed at the beginning of the book/audiobook)
I recommend it for fans of YA sci-fi books that focus a lot in romance without having the sci-fi parts be less present.
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Vomit
Moderate: Blood, Confinement, Medical content, Rape, and Grief
The rape/sexual assault in the content warnings before the start of the book, does not happen in the storyline, it's a memory the mc is telling another character.thedanielhurst's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The structure is more episodic than a typical novel, but it never feels disjointed. It keeps the pacing brisk without losing the plot's through line or the characters' emotional arcs. The three main characters are believable, sympathetic, and well-developed. Noa is excruciatingly frustrating in that way that teenagers are, but you understand and love him anyway. DJ is someone you just want to hug, and Jenny is a perfect blend of hilarious and heartfelt. I also love the Jenny Perez character, a child actor turned B-list celebrity who fills in the characters (and the reader) about the essential expository details and provides many of the book's strongest comedic moments.
I want more Noa, DJ, and Jenny! I fell in love with the characters with all their flaws, and I can offer no higher praise than that.
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Moderate: Confinement, Grief, and Violence
Minor: Blood